Reflecting on the Connecticut tragedy

Friday

Dec 21, 2012 at 12:01 AMDec 21, 2012 at 8:31 PM

Mary E. Neil

Because of the tragic events recently in Newtown, Conn., I wanted to share the effect that such an event has on our health. The entire nation is reeling from this horrible tragedy. This event just is added fuel to the emotional trauma that a lot of folks suffer. The whole nation is grieving.

Sitting at a traffic light and lifting my eyes I saw an enormous American flag flying at half mast in memory of those lost and tears filled my eyes and had to be wiped away before I could respond to the green light. This pain will be with us for a long time.

One way I have of dealing with things that are hard to think about is to get busy. This time of year it is easy to get involved with giving and charity work and helping others. In past years I helped with the Christmas Angel Tree at my church, All Saints Episcopal, to benefit S.O.C.K.S., (Serving Our Community with Kindness) in the Springwood community. And teaching my classes and preparing for a visit from our grandson with his three children has helped to lessen the pain of thinking about the parents whose children will not be with them this holiday season.

I came across some a great suggestion from www.workingmother.com to help deal with the stress that comes with everyday life.

First, expect to happy and make it a conscious choice. Do all you can to add peace and enjoyment to the gathering and your life. This may take some changes in how you do things and the fair thing to do if it affects others in your family, is to let everyone know about the changes in advance. And make big changes slowly. That way everyone will be prepared and on the same page.

A big change for us is our expanded family. With four children, spouses, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren, we canít be ridged about when and how we celebrate the holidays. Add to this mix all the extended in-laws that want their turn and you might have a scheduling nightmare if you arenít diligent with your planning.

Remember, at the heart of every individual and family is a real need for love and acceptance. This holiday season, and every day consciously decide to bring love, peace, compassion, acceptance and enjoyment to the family and everyone around you.

It is Pollyanna thinking, I know, to believe that you can be happy all the time, but as my Grandpa Homer used to say: ďPull yourself up by your boot straps and move on!